Expert: John Priest - 3/13/2010

Question
Grand son 14 years old, 5"10' slender build, 150 lbs, I am trying to find the correct wooden bat for him to use and to develope his hitting mechanics. What size bat would you recommend? From what I have read, a bat 33-33 1/2 in length and 30-31 oz (2-3 weight drop), with a 2 5/8" barrell would be a good choice. What is your opinion of a wooden bat with those specs? Thank you

Answer
Jim,
A 33 inch bat would be a good size for your grandson.  Most wood bats are a -2 or -3 oz. drop.  The 2 5/8" barrel is the biggest size allowable by the rules which means than it will usually come with the thinnest handle.  The problem with this is that a wood bat beginner may break a few bats.  A good bat to start with is a Louisville Slugger either M9 or Prostock and a P72 or a 110 Model these bats will have a thicker handle with a medium barrel (I prefer the P72). Bat models with a bigger barrel would be a 243 or an I13 (both Louisville Slugger Models).  The problem with wood bats is that there are many different models.  When I worked for Nokona Baseball I did a lot of research on baseball bat models and there were over 500 different models from 75 different bat companies.  Most importantly the bat has to be comfortable.  Bring your grandson to the store and have them feel each model.  Some are balanced and some are top heavy so the bat needs to be comfortable in his hands.  I am recommending Louisville Slugger bats because they are top quality and widely sold.  Don't get any Louisville Slugger Pro Stock Lite, they seem to be much cheaper.  If you had another bat model or brand in mind let me know and I will let you know what I think about them.    

Thank You,
John Priest